Cherry Pie Bars Recipe

Cherry pie bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the flavors of a classic cherry pie with the convenience of a bar. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a sweet treat at home, these bars offer a buttery crust, a luscious cherry filling, and a sweet glaze. With their vibrant color and delicious taste, cherry pie bars are sure to be a hit with everyone. Let's dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe!

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Ingredients:

For the Crust and Topping:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

• Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
• Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
• Drop the remaining dough by spoonfuls over the cherry filling, creating a scattered, cobblestone-like pattern.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

• Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the dough comes out clean.
• Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a drizzling consistency.
• Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cherry pie bars.

Cooking Note:

Ensure that the bars are completely cooled before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting and becoming runny. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the bars in the refrigerator for a short time.

Serving Suggestions:

Cherry pie bars are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. A cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk pairs wonderfully with these sweet bars.

Tips:

1. Fruit Variations: Feel free to substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings such as blueberry, apple, or peach for different flavors.
2. Almond Flavor: The almond extract adds a lovely flavor that complements the cherries well. If you're a fan of almond flavor, don't skip this ingredient.
3. Storing: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
4. Freezing: Cherry pie bars freeze well. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
5. Easy Removal: Lining the baking dish with parchment paper with an overhang on the sides makes it easier to lift the entire batch out of the pan for cutting.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg

Conclusion:

Cherry pie bars are a delightful dessert that brings the comforting flavors of cherry pie into a convenient, handheld treat. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. With their buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and simple glaze, they are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy these cherry pie bars with friends and family, and savor the sweet moments!

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